On January 16, 2015, the Barberton Public Library’s Local History Room accepted a donation of the christening gown, shoes, bonnet, and shirts of A.O. Austin. Austin was born on December 28, 1879, in Stockton, California. He became an electrical engineer with Ohio Brass in Barberton, started his own company, and purchased the Barber Mansion. He was called an “Electrical Wizard” by those in the engineering profession and was considered to have one of the best minds of the time. Despite being in good condition, the items were in need of conservation to physically stabilize and visually improve their condition, so the family of A.O. Austin also donated the necessary funds to provide needed conservation for the items. They were taken to ICA-Art Conservation in Cleveland where they underwent professional conservation cleaning and preservation efforts. The materials are available for research purposes in the Local History Room. Calling and making an appointment to see the items ahead of your visit is recommended.
Rights
Copyright Barberton Public Library. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of reproductions of copyrighted material. The material in this collection is protected by copyright law. The library makes these materials available for personal use to be used for private study, scholarship or research. Reproduction, alteration or derivative use of this visual image for the purposes other than those listed above without the express written permission of the copyright holder may constitute an infringement of copyright law.
